Aquatic recreational device

ABSTRACT

A device for recreational use in the manner of a seesaw in a body of water, including a buoyant chamber and a frame attached to the chamber. The chamber and frame are rotatable about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action. The frame includes a pair of seats on opposite sides of the chamber for accommodating a pair of users thereon. To control the maximum amount of seesaw action that can be achieved with the device, the buoyancy of the chamber can be varied, as can the distance between each of the users and the axis of rotation.

United States Patent [72] inventor Joseph W. Newman P.0. Box 5175. Moblle, Ala. 36605 [21] Appl. No 43,004 [22] Filed June 3, 1970 [45] Patented Nov. 16, I971 54] AQUATIC RECREATIONAL DEVICE 17 Claims. 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. H 272/56, 272/1 B.9/3IOF [51] Int. Cl A633 11/00, A63c 15/02 [50) Field oISear-eh r. 272/54,$5, 56. l B, 50, 51, 66, 65. 52.132.30.111. E; 9/l A. 310R, 3l0A, 3l0B,3l0C,3l0D, 3l0E, 3l0 F, 3IOG, 3101-]. 310], JIOAA [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS |,982,9l3 l2/l934 Hansen u 272/1 B 2.226.9ll l2/l940 Romano 272/l B 3110.047 ll/l963 Bringman 272/56 X FOREIGN PATENTS l.06l,669 7ll9$9 Germany 272/1 R Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Arnold W. Kramer Attorney-Birch, Swindler. McKie & Beckett ABSTRACT: A device for recreational use in the manner of a seesaw in a body of water, including a buoyant chamber and a frame attached to the chamber The chamber and frame are rotatable about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action. The frame includes a pair of seats on opposite sides of the chamber for accommodating a pair of users thereon To control the maximum amount of seesaw action that can be achieved with the device. the buoyancy of the chamber can be varied, as can the distance between each ofthe users and the axis of rotation.

PATENTEDunv 1s ISTI 3. 620 399 6 s V 200 I2 20b 200 mvzmon JOSEPH w newmm BY 5M, Swgwr, 4: A. 4 watt ATTORNEYS AQUATIC RECREATIONAL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to recreational devices for use in a body of water, and more particularly to an aquatic recreational device that is adapted to be used in the manner of a seesaw.

2. Description of the Prior Art There exist in the prior art a multitude of devices for recreational use in a body of water. However, these devices generally do not possess the three primary characteristics required for a successful aquatic recreational device, which are safety, a high degree of attractive recreational action, and adjustability to enable the device to be successfully operated by individuals of diverse skills. Further criteria for a successful aquatic recreational device are portability, simplicity of structure and reasonable cost. When all of these factors are considered, the prior art devices are generally found to be deficient because one or more important characteristics are compromised in favor of others. Frequently, for example, the requirement for safety is minimized in the quest to provide a device which is capable of a high degree of recreational action.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aquatic recreational device of the invention possesses all of the desirable characteristics mentioned above, and in particular provides safe and attractive amusement for users thereof. The aquatic device of the invention consists primarily of a buoyant chamber and a frame attached to such chamber, and is operated by two persons in the manner of a seesaw. The frame includes a center section and two outer sections extending outwardly from the center section on opposite sides of the chamber. A seat is attached to the outer end of each of the outer sections for accommodating a user thereon. In use, the chamber and frame are rotatable about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide the desired seesaw action.

Since the device of the invention is adapted to be used in a body of water, an environment in which injury or panic can have very serious consequences, safety is one of the primary characteristics of the device. This characteristic is achieved by a uniquely simple design, which is predicated upon combining maximum safety with the other desirable characteristics mentioned above. In furtherance of this goal, the buoyant chamber is an inflatable bag made of a flexible material, the frame is made of light weight metal tubing, and the seats are made of plastic. Preferably, the center section of the frame extends beneath the chamber so that no hard objects are present on the upper portion thereof which could be struck by a user should he become unseated during operation of the device and fall inwardly toward the chamber. Moreover, since the device is constructed of lightweight materials, the likelihood of a user receiving a disabling injury therefrom even if struck is minimal. The device is buoyant even when capsized, and whether or upright provides ample handholds for persons in the water to grasp, if necessary. Also, the device can be easily righted and mounted by users from the water.

One key characteristic of the device of the invention is adjustability, which enables the device to be safely and satisfactorily operated by persons of virtually all weights, and by persons with varying degrees of skill and dexterity. Two methods of adjustment may be employed for controlling the maximum seesaw action achievable with the device. The first adjustment method is provided by controlling the amount of inflation of the buoyant chamber to thereby control the buoyancy thereof. When fully inflated, the maximum rotational seesaw movement is achievable, depending upon the energy and skill of the users. In this condition, each seat may traverse an arc beginning at or beneath the surface of the water and extending several feet thereabove. If, however, the buoyant chamber is only partially inflated, the maximum rotational seesaw movement achievable is inhibited because the device sets lower in the water. In this latter condition, each seat traverses an arc of lesser extent. Thus, when the device is used by children or inexperienced persons, control may be exercised over the maximum amount of movement achievable with the device by simply deflating the buoyant chamber. The second adjustment method is provided by varying the distance between the users and the axis of rotation. This can be accomplished by slidably attaching the seats to the frame or by providing elongated fixed seats defining a plurality of seating positions thereon. The rotational movement of the users can thus be inhibited by moving them closer to the axis of rotation, thereby shortening the moment arms between their centers of mass and the rotational axis. This adjustment method also is quite useful when persons of substantially different weights are operating the device. The user of lighter weight merely sits farther from the axis of rotation so that his lesser weight will be compensated by the greater moment arm between his center of mass and the rotational axis.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved aquatic recreational device which is adapted to be operated by two persons in the manner of a seesaw.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device as described in the foregoing object wherein the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device can be controlled.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved aquatic recreational device which is extremely safe.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an aquatic recreational device which can be adjusted easily to accommodate users of differing weights and abilities.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aquatic recreational device which can be assembled and disassembled easily, and which when disassembled is compact and portable.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of a first embodiment of the aquatic recreational device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end-elevational view of the device shown in FIGS. I and 2 with the buoyant chamber fully inflated;

FIG. 4 is an end-elevations! view of the aquatic device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the buoyant chamber only partially inflated; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the aquatic recreational device of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of the aquatic recreational device of the invention is shown therein and includes a buoyant chamber indicated generally by reference numeral 10 and a frame indicated generally by reference numeral ll. Buoyant chamber I0 is an inflatable bag made of flexible material and is cylindrically shaped, having a cylindrical side 12 and ends 13 and 14. The chamber includes a conventional valve I8 in end 14 for inflation and deflation of the chamber. A plurality of looped straps [6 are attached to side I2 and provide a means for attaching frame 11 to chamber 10. Chamber l0 and frame II are rotatable about an axis 17 extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide the desired seesaw action.

Frame II includes a center section 20 and two outer sections 2] extending outwardly from center section 20 on opposite sides of chamber 10 substantially perpendicular to axis 17. Sections 20 and 2| are made of lightweight metal tubing. Outer sections 21 are of narrow U-shaped configuration, as

best shown in FIG. 2, and are adapted to be straddled by users of the device. The maximum lateral dimension of center section 20 is greater than the maximum lateral dimension of outer sections 2| to add some degree of lateral stability to the device, although the device is not intended to be extremely stable laterally. Center section 20 consists of two legs 20a and 20b, which slip through straps l6 and which fasten to outer sections 21 by releasable means, such as frictional slip joints 22. Mounted on the outer end of each of sections 21 is a seat 23 of lightweight material, such as plastic, and having integral handle portions 24 and internal passages 25 through which the legs of sections 21 are received. Seats 23 are thus slidably attached to sections 21 for movement longitudinally of frame I1, and are retained in place by the friction between the walls of passages 25 and the legs of sections 21. To provide further support for frame 1], and to further attach the frame to chamber 10, a plurality of straps 27 can be added extending across the upper portion of chamber and secured to center section 20 by buttoning onto pins 28.

As an example of the dimensional relationships between the elements of the device, the longitudinal dimension of frame 1 1 can be 6% feet, while buoyant chamber 10 can have an axial dimension of 3 feet and a diameter of 25 inches. The distance between the users and axis 17 can vary from 1% to 3 feet. The axial length of chamber 10 has a profound effect upon the lateral stability of the device; the greater this dimension the more stable the device is laterally. Therefore, the operating characteristics of the device can be altered by simply changing to a buoyant chamber of greater or lesser axial length. Also the total user weight which the device will support while still providing the desired amount of seesaw action is a function of the buoyancy of chamber 10, and therefore of the internal volume of the chamber. For example, if the device is to be used only by children, a chamber of lesser diameter could be used.

The entire device is designed to facilitate assembly, disassembly, transportation and storage. Buoyant chamber 10 can be deflated completely and folded. Outer frame sections 21 can be disengaged from legs a and 20b of center section 20, and legs 20a and 20b can then be slipped through straps 16 to disengage the frame from the chamber. Thus, the device disassembles into five easily handles pieces.

The operation of the device is simple and provides maxim urn safety while still providing an attractive device which is conducive to a great deal of recreational activity. The device is adapted to be used by two persons, each straddling one of seats 23, holding onto the associated handles 24 and probably wrapping his legs around the associated outer section 21. The users can then operate the device in the manner of a seesaw by utilizing their masses and by the actions of their hands and feet on the water. The users can attain still more action if they lean backward from the normal seating position. Rotational movement is imparted to the entire device about axis l7, and seats 23 traverse an are beginning at or beneath the surface of the water and extending several feet thereabove. The device also may be rotated about a vertical axis, adding another dimension to the action it provides. As mentioned above, the device is only marginally stable laterally and can be overturned, thus adding another variation in the use of the device.

As will be apparent the device is capable of providing a great deal of movement. Therefore, safety is of paramount importance, including adjustment methods for inhibiting the action of the device when it is used by children or persons inexperienced in its operation. One of the principal safety features of the device is the extension of center frame section 20 beneath chamber [0. This arrangement obviates the presence of any relatively hard objects on the upper portion of the chamber which could be struck by a user should he become unseated during operation of the device and fall inwardly toward the chamber. A user falling from one of seats 23 onto chamber It] will impact against the air-cushioned flexible surface of the chamber and thus not be injured.

With respect to adjustment methods, when chamber 10 is flilly inflated, as shown in FIG. 3, the device will support two users of normal weights in such a manner as to position axis 17 above the surface 30 of the body of water in which the device is to be operated. In this condition, it is possible for the users to obtain a great deal of movement about several axes. However, when it is desired to inhibit the maximum rotational seesaw movement of the device, such a when utilized by children or inexperienced persons, the buoyancy of chamber 10 is lessened by only partially inflating the chamber, as shown in FIG. 4. In this condition, the device will set lower in the water in such a manner as to position axis 17 at, near or even below surface 30, thereby lessening the maximum amount of rotation which can be achieved by the users. Also, when only partially inflated, chamber It) will be misshappen, and thus provide greater resistance to rotation than when fully inflated.

Another adjustment method is provided by controlling the distance between the users and axis 17. in the first embodiment, this method is attained by the adjustable mounting of seats 23. The ability to vary the distance between the users and axis 17 is an invaluable aid when the device is to be used by persons of substantially different weights. For example, if the person on the right-hand side of the device, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is heavier than the person on the left-hand side, compensation for the difference in weight can be made by sliding the seat 23 on the right-hand side inwardly toward axis 17, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, thus shortening the moment arm by which the mass of the right-hand user is multiplied. In addition, the rotational seesaw action of the device can be inhibited by sliding both seats 23 inwardly toward axis 17, thus shortening both moment arms.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the device of the invention, including a spherical buoyant chamber 32 and a frame 11 of the type described above. Chamber 32 is attached to frame 11 by straps l6 and 27, and the device rotates about an axis of rotation 34 extending through chamber 32 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of frame ll. As an alternative to slidable seats 23, the second embodiment of the device includes a pair of elongated seats 33, which are fixed to sections 21 and have no handles. When using the device, the users grasp seats 33 or frame ll. Seats 33 are of sufficient length to define a plurality of seating positions thereon spaced longitudinally of frame ll. To establish the desired distance between the users and axis 34, the users simply position themselves at the proper positions on seats 33. As described above with respect to cylindrical chamber 10, spherical chamber 32 can be only partially inflated, in order to inhibit the maximum amount of seesaw action of the device. With spherical chamber 32, the device is more prone to also rotate about a vertical axis as it is utilized, and is much less stable laterally than is the first embodiment of device equipped with cylindrical chamber 10. Therefore. more variation is added to the movement of the device, although more skill is needed for successful operation,

Although the buoyant chambers particularly described above are of cylindrical and spherical configurations, virtually any configuration which does not unduly restrict rotation about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame may be used.

The aquatic recreational device herein disclosed offers many novel features not present in the prior art devices. In particular the device is extremely safe, and yet provides a great deal of entertainment for users thereof. Even when capsized the device provides a buoyant object which can be grasped easily by persons in the water. The device is easily righted without having to remove it from the water and it can be mounted easily from the water. Furthermore, the components of the device are simple and inexpensive to manufao ture, and can be easily disassembled for paclting and transportation.

While the foregoing constitutes a detailed description of two embodiments of the aquatic recreational device of the invention, numerous modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

I. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising:

a flexible buoyant chamber; and

a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber and extending beneath the bottom of said chamber so that no hard objects are present on the upper portion of the chamber, a pair of outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action.

1. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein said center section is releasably attached to said chamber and said outer sections are releasably attached to said center section.

3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein said center section is attached to said chamber by a plurality of looped straps attached to the lower portion of the chamber.

4. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein said center section is further attached to said chamber by a plurality of flexible straps attached to said frame and extending across the upper portion of said chamber.

5. A device as recited in claim I, wherein said chamber is an inflatable bag made of a flexible material.

6. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said bag is cylindrically shaped.

7. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said bag is spherically shaped.

8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said user accommodating means comprises a seat.

9. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said seats is adjustably attached to the associated outer section for adjustment longitudinally of said frame to permit the distance between a user accommodated thereon and said axis to be adjusted.

10. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said seats is fixedly attached to the associated outer section and defines a plurality of seating positions thereon spaced longitudinally of said frame to permit the distance between a user accommodated thereon and said axis to be adjusted.

ll. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of said center section is greater than the maximum lateral dimension of said outer sections with the lateral dimension being the width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame.

12. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising:

a flexible buoyant chamber; and

a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber and extending beneath the bottom of said chamber so that no hard objects are present on the upper portion of the chamber, two outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled. [3. A device as recited in claim 12, wherein said chamber is an inflatable bag made of flexible material.

14. A device as recited in claim l3, wherein said bag is cylindrically shaped.

15. A device as recited in claim 13, wherein said bag is spherical] shaped.

16. A evice for recreational use in a body of water com prising: a cylindrically shaped, flexible buoyant chamber; and

a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber, two outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled. [7. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising:

a spherically shaped, flexible buoyant chamber; and

a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber, to outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled.

# i i l l 

1. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising: a flexible buoyant chamber; and a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber and extending beneath the bottom of said chamber so that no hard objects are present on the upper portion of the chamber, a pair of outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action.
 2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said center section is releasably attached to said chamber and said outer sections are releasably attached to said center section.
 3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein said center section is attached to said chamber by a plurality of looped straps attached to the lower portion of the chamber.
 4. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein said center section is further attached to said chamber by a plurality of flexible straps attached to said frame and extending across the upper portion of said chamber.
 5. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said chamber is an inflatable bag made of a flexible material.
 6. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said bag is cylindrically shaped.
 7. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said bag is spherically shaped.
 8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said user accommodating means comprises a seat.
 9. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said seats is adjustably attached to the associated outer section for adjustment longitudinally of said frame to permit the distance between a user accommodated thereon and said axis to be adjusted.
 10. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said seats is fixedly attached to the associated outer section and defines a plurality of seatIng positions thereon spaced longitudinally of said frame to permit the distance between a user accommodated thereon and said axis to be adjusted.
 11. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of said center section is greater than the maximum lateral dimension of said outer sections with the lateral dimension being the width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame.
 12. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising: a flexible buoyant chamber; and a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber and extending beneath the bottom of said chamber so that no hard objects are present on the upper portion of the chamber, two outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled.
 13. A device as recited in claim 12, wherein said chamber is an inflatable bag made of flexible material.
 14. A device as recited in claim 13, wherein said bag is cylindrically shaped.
 15. A device as recited in claim 13, wherein said bag is spherically shaped.
 16. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising: a cylindrically shaped, flexible buoyant chamber; and a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber, two outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled.
 17. A device for recreational use in a body of water comprising: a spherically shaped, flexible buoyant chamber; and a frame, including a center section attached to said chamber, two outer sections attached to said center section and disposed on opposite sides of the chamber, and means attached to the outer end of each of said outer sections for accommodating a user thereon, whereby the chamber and frame may be rotated about an axis extending through the chamber and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame to provide a seesaw action, the buoyancy of said chamber being variable for controlling the position of said axis with respect to the surface of the body of water in which the device is used to thereby permit the maximum amount of seesaw action achievable with the device to be controlled. 